When it comes to buying a new riding lawn mower, choose a size and horsepower that match the size and layout of your lawn and make sure you'll be able to store and maintain the mower properly.

Step 1: Figure out the size mower for your mowing area. Use smaller mowers and zero-turn radius mowers for tight and small areas; these mowers work well for anything from 1/2 acre to two acres. Large mowers need more room to maneuver. Use larger riding lawn mowers or garden tractors for large, open areas where maneuverability isn't a big concern, but covering large amounts of ground is.

Step 2: Calculate your budget for the riding lawn mower. Riding mowers can start at $1,000, and attachments and other options can quickly increase the cost. Determine the cost you can safely handle and figure out the least amount of equipment you will need to do the job before looking at any piece of machinery.

Step 3: Decide how large the blade should be; this will determine how large the mower deck must be for your needs. Small mower decks up to a 32-inch radius can be used for small yards and areas that have limited open space because of obstructions. Use a mowing blade of 32 to 48 inches for lawns of more than one acre. Keep the budget in mind when choosing the blade size, because longer blades cost more.

Step 4: Choose the type of mower deck. Mower decks come in plastic, aluminum and steel. The first two choices are cheaper, but the third option is more durable. Examine the lawn; a plastic or aluminum deck can handle smooth, flat surfaces because the chance of damage is minimal. Steel is more suitable for lawns that have roots and rocks, bumps, dips and holes and other changes in ground surface.

Step 5: Decide how much horsepower you need. Horsepower equates to the speed of the blade, the blade rotation rate and the speed of the mower. Riding lawn mowers range from 12 to 18 horsepower. Large, open lawns can handle greater horsepower to help you finish the job faster. Small lawns or lawns with many obstructions can use less horsepower because high speeds will be of little use on them.

Step 6: Look at your storage capacity. Riding lawn mowers should be kept under safe cover to keep them in good condition for many years. Determine the width and length of the riding lawn mower, then add 3 feet to both numbers to allow you room to walk around the mower while it's in storage.

Step 7: Think about maintenance. Remember that large riding lawn mowers use engines similar to those in automobiles, with filters, hoses, electronic components and drive chains, gears and transmissions. If you are not comfortable performing maintenance on an automobile, you may not like maintaining a large riding mower.

Visit Tri-State Rentals for a full selection of lawn tractors and zero turn radius mowers.